Q: I have children under 18—what are the curfew laws in Garfield Heights?
A: Curfew laws vary with the age of the child and the situation. Minors may not be upon any streets or sidewalks or in a public place (restaurant, bowling alley, shop, theater, store, pool hall, shopping center, and any other place devoted to the amusement or entertainment of the general public) unless accompanied by a relative over 18, a guardian, or some other responsible person over 21 years of age.
- If the minor is attending or actively participating in a school, church, or city-wide event, then the curfew for such a minor shall be extended to one-half hour after the termination of such event.
THE NEW CURFEW HOURS BY AGE ARE:
- Under 12: 9:00 p.m. – dawn
- 13-14: 9:30 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
- 15-16: 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
- 17: midnight – 6:00 a.m.
You are free to set curfew hours within your own household, so long as they include the restrictions above. If your child is found by a police officer to be in violation of the curfew laws, the child will be returned to your residence, these laws will be explained to you and the child, and the police officer may issue citations for the violation. The citation for the parent/guardian is for a fourth degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. The penalty for a subsequent violation is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. (Codified Ordinance Section 531.04)
